Clove & Nutmeg

Clove is Warm, Dry, and very Pungent. It has a special function of coursing the Qi, or guiding and regulating the Qi. It can help guide medicines into the channels, especially the Central channel, for which it has a special function in Tibetan Medicine. Its guiding nature regulates, while its penetrating nature can break through turbidity causing obstruction of the flow of Qi.

Nutmeg is Warm, very dry, Pungent, and Astringent. It also has a strong effect on the Qi, opening Qi obstruction with its aromatic pungency, while restraining Qi leakage due to its astringent effect. It astringes Qi into the lower abdomen, the source of Qi. In this text, Mace and Nutmeg are considered interchangable although Mace can be considered stronger for its cerebral effects, while Nutmeg itself is stronger for astringing the Kidneys.

Together, they strongly Move the Qi, while regulating, guiding and assisting Qi. Their special effects help to stop loss of Qi which is apt to occur with pungent aromatics. This also stops them being overly stimulating which is apt to happen Warm, aromatic pungents. On the contrary, this combination is quite relaxing and calming without being heavy and dull.

Many formulas from all Traditional Medicine systems use this combination in formulas that clear Obstruction and Move the Qi. They are especially used for Neurological disorders. They are also often used in formulas where harsh medicines could disorder or upset the flow of Qi. In this case, they help keep regulation while the harsh medicines are working, The Blessed Laxative and Electuary of Senna (both of Nicolas) being excellent examples.

Normally, small doses of these are added to a large formula, as is amply seen in the examples below. Some formulas use these as correctors, as well as regulators.